Airmen experience tip of expeditionary spear Published Aug. 30, 2006 By Maj. Paul Tombarge Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Most Airmen have experienced the expeditionary air and space force, but for about 170 Airmen serving in the military personnel exchange program, the term "expeditionary" takes on a whole new meaning. Officers and senior NCOs serving in the MPEP are assigned to nearly three dozen foreign air forces across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia in a variety of operations, support, medical and legal career fields. "In addition to performing primary career field duties while assigned to foreign air forces, exchange officers play a vital role in supporting U.S. national security goals," said Ken Frank, chief of the military personnel exchange program."By promoting mutual understanding and trust, improving interoperability and coalition warfare capabilities and developing long-term personal and professional relationships, these (Airmen) are critical enablers for our expeditionary air and space force," Mr. Frank said.Because they live and work in foreign countries during their two- to three-year tour, exchange officers complete foreign language training at the Defense Language Institute before reporting to the host nation air force. Exchange officers also reap personal rewards rarely found in traditional assignments. They are integrated into the host nation air force and become immersed in local culture. These officers are often the first U.S. person local citizens and military officials get to know on a personal basis. They also are able to influence foreign opinions and understanding of the United States and its policies. "Because they gain foreign language skills and in-depth international experience during their tour, exchange officers become particularly strong candidates for a future assignment as an international affairs specialist or attaché," said Col. Robert Sarnoski, Air Force International Airmen Division chief. In the past, exchange officers deploying with their host units have played key roles in many recent coalition operations, such as: security enforcement mission for Operations Joint Guardian, Joint Enterprise and Althea in Bosnia and Kosovo; combat and combat support missions for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom; international security assistance force missions in Afghanistan; humanitarian assistance and earthquake relief operations in Pakistan; and humanitarian assistance in East Timor. Exchange opportunities are reflected on the Air Force Personnel Center's active requirements list in the Assignment Management System. Additional information is available on the Air Force International Airmen Division Web site on the Air Force Portal secure site at www.my.af.mil/iaw/iaw or by calling DSN 425-8336.